ERIE, Pennsylvania (CNN) – Sarah Palin made a new push Thursday to remind voters that the threat of terrorism remains very real, despite the current focus on the troubled economy.

In consecutive campaign events in Erie, Pennsylvania, Palin argued that economic concerns are inexorably entwined with American security interests, and that John McCain is the only candidate prepared to handle both issues.

“Gone are the days when we had placed domestic and foreign concerns in two distinct categories and just choose a president according to the priorities of the moment,” Palin said at a rally in Erie. “On November 4, we need to elect a president who can handle the difficulties in the economy and the dangers of the world all at the same time.”

The Republican vice presidential nominee was introduced by former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, an Erie native with national security experience whom McCain once considered tapping as his running mate.

Palin mocked Barack Obama’s 30-minute network ad buy a “warm and fuzzy scripted infomercial” designed to “soften the focus in these closing days.”

“He’s hoping your mind won’t wander to the real challenges of national security, challenges that he is incapable of meeting,” she said.

Palin’s speech came shortly after a meeting across town with several national security advisers at Penn State-Erie. Following that meeting, she read a statement to a small audience that introduced strong new language warning voters that the “far left wing of the Democrat party” - led by Massachusetts Rep. Barney Frank – would cut defense spending by 25 percent under an Obama administration.

“They’re preparing right now to take over the entire federal government, folks,” she said. “According to their own stated plans, the first thing that will go will be one quarter of our defense budget.”

Although Frank, the chairman of the House Financial Services committee, has said he would favor such a spending cut, Obama has called several times for an increase in defense spending.

Well, I see Sarah has graduated from hate rallies to playing the fear card at rallies. Don't they (McCain/Palin) realize they have turned the political process we respect and hold dear into a three ring circus, starring Joe Six Pack, Joe the Plumber, a couple of Mavericks, and lurking ex-villains? I want strong intellect, reason, the ability to bring us together, and the ability to redeem our good name in the world from my President and VP. Was that too much to ask of them?

October 30, 2008 10:08 pm at 10:08 pm |

Nanci

Why all the very nasty comments? What do you folks intend to gain? By the way, Gov Palin has more executive experience over the senators running.

October 30, 2008 10:08 pm at 10:08 pm |

Angel

Politics of fear..ah..go away

October 30, 2008 10:10 pm at 10:10 pm |

francheska ;-)

And Palin would be SSSSOOOO helpful with a terrorist attack. YIPPPEE!! This is just more scare tatics from the Republican party and nothing more.

October 30, 2008 10:15 pm at 10:15 pm |

Cardinal

Terrorist – a radical who employs terror as a political weapon; often uses religion as a cover for terrorist activities.

Pretty much what Sarah Palin has ben doing on a daily basis.

October 30, 2008 10:16 pm at 10:16 pm |

Ohioans for Obama

Can we trust the words of a woman who was recently found to have abused her power as governor and lied about it, and to have spent state dollars on flying her family around? We are better off with her in Alaska where she can "see" Russia and protect us from that "fear".

October 30, 2008 10:16 pm at 10:16 pm |

blue in a red state

But she can see Russia from her porch

October 30, 2008 10:16 pm at 10:16 pm |

Karrie, MD

I really can't stand this woman. If McCain wins this election, the next person Palin will try to throw under the bus is McCain. It's obvious that's the job she wants.

October 30, 2008 10:16 pm at 10:16 pm |

John W.

Sarah, Sarah, Sarah,

Please shut up, and have a Coke and a Smile.

October 30, 2008 10:17 pm at 10:17 pm |

CanIcallyouJoe

She fails to mention her intellectual terrorism campaign on America.

October 30, 2008 10:19 pm at 10:19 pm |

blue in a red state

But she didn't know that a Russian delegation was visiting Alaska a week ago

October 30, 2008 10:19 pm at 10:19 pm |

Scott of Utah

Fear, fear, fear, would you like some fear with that?

Obama can handle both better than McPalin.

October 30, 2008 10:20 pm at 10:20 pm |

JD, Washington, DC

Yes, terrorism is real - and the thought of Palin in charge of national security is frightening.

October 30, 2008 10:22 pm at 10:22 pm |

Sue, NY

I am so sick and tired of the hate and fear spewed from this ticket...how can anyone possible support it and call themselves christian.

Who is going to save from terror threat Joe the plumber or Sarah palin??????????
MCCAIN/PALIN erratic combination.

October 30, 2008 10:24 pm at 10:24 pm |

Dhillon

DOES anybody think OLD MAN and stupid lady is going to save us from any threat

October 30, 2008 10:27 pm at 10:27 pm |

James

I'm so fed up with these scare politics by the McCain camp.

October 30, 2008 10:29 pm at 10:29 pm |

John Anthony, Minneapolis, MN

Ill informed opportunist lying demagogue neocons like Sarah Palin are the biggest threat of all to the safety of our democracy.

October 30, 2008 10:31 pm at 10:31 pm |

jeropaen

Every evening when watching the reviews of the rally's, I am shocked about the amateurism from the McCain/Palin campaign team. As young European, living and working as an engineer in the USA, I am very irritated by their comments about the democrats so-called socialism.
I think McCain does not understand the difference between socialism and being liberal. Personally I would advice him to google it up.

Obama is maybe not the wonderboy and might have to revise a few of his promises. But he is a very smart, quick learning politician who breads the force of intercontinental alliences. For the so-called war on terrorism, Obama's team will be get more progress due to his major support by European/Asian/Australian governments. I hope that the Americans are not blinded by the cheap talks from Palin/McCain and do not loose the real focus when they are voting next week. You need to have a president who cleans up the white house image on the international stage and be present for the next 8 years 'cause the current conditions are not solved in a 2 to 4 year margin.

October 30, 2008 10:32 pm at 10:32 pm |

Darth Vadik, CA

I would never vote for you though, Palin, EVER

October 30, 2008 10:35 pm at 10:35 pm |

Audrey

How would John McCain know what to do – he was all over the wall regarding the economic crisis – God forbid he has to deal with a terrorist situation – remember, ready fire, aim.